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The Soloist
The soloist is someone who struggles with impostor syndrome and feels the need to do everything on their own. They believe that if they ask for help, they will be exposed as a fraud or as someone who is not truly an expert in their field. They may feel that seeking help is a sign of weakness or incompetence, and they may be afraid that others will see them as such. This type of thinking can lead to feelings of isolation and a lack of support, as the soloist may avoid reaching out to others for help or guidance.The need to do everything alone is an illusion, as experts in any field often rely on the help and input of others. They may consult with colleagues, mentors, or other experts to gain new perspectives, to collaborate on projects, or to receive feedback on their work. Experts understand that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of maturity and a willingness to learn and grow.The soloist may also be missing out on valuable opportunities for growth and development by refusing to ask for help. The decision to go it alone can lead to burnout, stress, and a lack of progress towards their goals. It is important for soloists to recognise that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that it is an essential part of professional and personal growth.Before We Go Any Further – Let Me Introduce MyselfHi, I’m Ros Cardinal, founder and managing director of Shaping Change.Impostor syndrome is really common. You'd be surprised at how many successful, famous people struggle with it. The number one reason people consistently do not overcome impostor syndrome is because they think they’re stuck with it for life. And when you think you're stuck with something for life... You also start to think "what's the point in even trying to get over it?"And let me tell you how dangerous that thought process is.What happens when you believe this is insurmountable... Is that you can end up spending decades doing work that you don’t love… Working for or with people that suck your soul dry… And that has impacts on all other areas of your life… Your health… Your personal life… Your family and relationships… You lose your zest for life and end up thinking “this is as good as I deserve” You lose out on promotions, on pay raises… You end up living with this sinking feeling that you could have done more, been more and had more in your life… Impostor Syndrome is NOT something you just have to live with for the rest of your life. It IS something you can heal. I want to tell you about Jess.When Jess joined one of my coaching programs she was struggling in her role. Ambitious, keen, and a hard worker... Jess was tired of being overlooked for project roles she knew she was qualified for.On one of our coaching calls, we discovered she wasn’t advocating for herself. She felt so defeated, she lost all confidence that she would be noticed by management. She was going through the motions in her job, because what was the point in trying? But Jess was a dream client. She was open to feedback, willing to get uncomfortable, and took action. Eight weeks later, she sent me a quick email, shouting:I GOT IT!YahooooooooooooCouldn’t have done it without you!I am beyond happy :)Jess just landed her dream job as head of a wonderful not-for-profit agency, where she can live her purpose and do good in the world. I want to help you transform your career and accomplish your most ambitious goals… Regardless of what they are.Here are 4 key actions you can take to banish impostor syndrome for good!1. Recognise and acknowledge your impostor thoughts: The first step to overcoming impostor syndrome is to recognise and acknowledge the thoughts and feelings that are associated with it. Understanding and acknowledging that you are experiencing impostor syndrome can help you take control of the thoughts and emotions, and to start taking steps to overcome it.2. Challenge your impostor thoughts: Once you have recognised and acknowledged your impostor thoughts, the next step is to challenge them. This means questioning and refuting the negative thoughts and beliefs that are associated with impostor syndrome. For example, if you believe that you are not good enough or that you are not an expert, try to identify evidence that contradicts this belief.3. Build self-confidence and self-compassion: Building self-confidence and self-compassion is essential to overcome impostor syndrome. One way to do this is to focus on your achievements and accomplishments, and to give yourself credit for your hard work and efforts. It is also important to be kind and compassionate to yourself and to remind yourself that it is normal to make mistakes and to have moments of self-doubt.4. Seek support and mentorship: Surrounding yourself with supportive people can be very helpful in overcoming Impostor syndrome. Seek the help of a therapist, mentor or coach who can guide you through the process of challenging Impostor thoughts, developing self-compassion and building self-confidence. Talking about impostor syndrome with someone who understands the experience can also help to reduce feelings of isolation and shame.If you want more help, let's have a chat about it. You can book 30 minutes in my calendar using the button below for a conversation on Zoom. Let's talk!